Councillor Steve Nelson, Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: “Our specialist team of pest control officers provides a range of free and chargeable services to residents and businesses and our officers are always happy to provide free advice and guidance, or to answer any queries people may have. Full details are available on our website.”

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Council said: “The authority’s pest control service has contracts with a wide range of clients for work in domestic and commercial properties in Middlesbrough and across the whole of the North-east.

“Any member of the public or commercial operation experiencing issues relating to pest control can contact us for information or a no obligation quote by calling 01642 728666, 01642 728668 or email contactcentre@middlesbrough.gov.uk.”